
j ^ dfilf'j 



FkKsi-:.\Ti:i) iiY 



Major David Ziegler 



BIOGRAPHY 



First Mayor of Cincinnati 



By GEO. A. KATZENBERGER 

Greenville, Ohio 



Reprinted from Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly 



Columbus, Ohio: 

The F. J. Heer Printing Co. 

1912 



Giit 
Author 



I' 

'Co \i9 



MAJOR DAVID ZIEGLER. 



BY GEO. A. KATZENBERGER. 

A custom has grown up of commemorating the Centennial 
anniversary of the birth or death of prominent men as well as 
of other important events, and, as it is a hundred years since 
the death of the subject of this sketch, and I fail to find David 
Ziegler's name in any of the indices of the nineteen volumes of 
the publications of the Ohio Archaeological and Historical Socie- 
ty, I have gathered a number of items concerning the first 
Mayor of Cincinnati in the belief that some recognition is due 
the memory of this pioneer and that the above named publication 
is the most fitting medium. 

Besides, the share of the Germans in the wars of the United 
States has not been adequately recognized in the prevailing lan- 
guage, nearly all articles of appreciation of their services appear- 
ing in German books and magazines. I have been able to find 
but two articles of any length on the hfe and services of Ziegler, 
one, a biographical sketch of seven pages by Mary D. Steele of 
Dayton, Ohio, appearing in the Magazine of Western History, 
May 1885, which article is reprinted in substance in Howe's 
Historical Collections of Ohio, and the other by the leading Ger- 
man-American Historian, H. A. Rattermann of Cincinnati, being 
an article read by him before the Literary Club of Cincinnati in 
June, 1883. Mr. Rattermann, at the advanced age of eighty, is 
still gathering material, writing articles and editing his com- 
plete works which will appear in eighteen volumes, and in one 
of which appears a lengthy poem commemorating Ziegler's 
feats. 

For centuries our European brothers have entered heartily 
into the pious duty of bringing to remembrance the character and 
deeds of their forefathers. But little over a century ago we 
were but three millions of people, huddled together upon the 
border land of the Atlantic, weak and regarded with scorn by 

(3) 



4 Major Dai'id Z{c</h'r, 

those to whom we owed allegiance, with the fear of the ReiJ 
Man and the fear of the unknown West in our hearts ; with the 
feai and the hate of the so-called mother country in our hreasts. 
Men still living have seen the western line of civilization push 
steadily forward to the forests of Ohio, sweep heyond the Mis- 
sissippi and strike across the plains to the west and leap to the 
Pacific. Men now living have seen all this ; have seen a waste 
wilderness converted into a blooming garden dotted with the 
peaceful homes of more than ninety million people. Whatever 
may lie our place in this great wonderland we ought not to be 
without a knowledge of the causes that made it what it is. We 
have no right to allow the names of those great men who won for 
us from the forests, the savages and wild beasts, our fair domain 
of fertile fields, to fade into oblivion. 

One of the men of considerable importance in the revolu- 
tionary war, and prominent in the conquest and development 
of early southern and western Ohio, was David Ziegler. He 
was born in the city of Heidelberg, on the Neckar in western 
Germany, August i6, 1748, according to one authority, liut upon 
inquiry through civil and church authorities at Heidelberg, I 
have ascertained that one Johann David Ziegler's name appears 
recorded in a Lutheran register of births in the Providenz Kirche 
as having been born July 13, 1748, has father being Johann 
Heinrich Ziegler, hatmaker, and his mother Louise Friedericka, 
nee Kern. Of his family and the younger days of his life, little 
is known. His father, according to Rattermann, was an inn 
keeper, or vintner, whose inn was frequented largely by students 
of the University who had their "Paukboden" (a room for duel- 
ing or rapier-fighting) there. Whether these customary fights of 
the academicians stimulated Ziegler's appetite for war-like pur- 
suits cannot be answered. However, in his earliest youth he pos- 
sessed a liking for military life, and as the boundaries of the Holy 
Roman Empire's wine cellar, as Klauprecht calls his immediate 
fatherland, the Neckar valley, did not give him sufficient play 
room for his ambitions, he is said to have served in the Seven 
Year's War under Frederick the Great, of whom he w-as an 
ardent admirer. Certain it is that later he went to Russia, and 
enlisted under the banners of Empress Catherine H, who had 



Major David Zieglcr. 5 

just then declared war against the Ottoman Empire, 1768. Zieg- 
ler served under General Weissmann in the Campaign of this 
Celebrated Marshal in Wallachia, the lower Danubian Provinces, 
and the Crimea, during which time he participated, among other 
minor engagements, in the battles of Tulcza, Maczin and Babadag. 
After the conquest of the Crimea on the part of Russia when 
the peace of Kutschuk was concluded July 21, 1774, and after the 
larger part of the Russian army was disbanded, Ziegler resigned 
his commission. 

He had served for almost six years with meritorious dis- 
tinction, and been promoted to an ofificership. He had shown 
bravery on the field of battle, and was wounded on the head by a 
Turkish sabre, and as a mark of appreciation was awarded a 
badge and an honorable discharge. 

A soldier from crown to feet he felt lonesome in the then 
peaceful Europe. At about the age of twenty-seven he emi- 
grated to America settling in Lancaster County, Pa. Klaup- 
reclit says that he arrived in Philadelphia in 1775. It is not 
certain just when Ziegler came to this country, but it is certain 
that he was in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, when the news of the 
Battle of Lexington reached there. When the cry for resistance 
to British tyranny sounded over the land a meeting was held 
at Carlisle to deliberate upon the raising of volunteers, to resist 
by dint of arms the usurpations of the mother country, at which 
meeting David Ziegler was present. In June, 1775, he was 
commissioned 3rd Lieutenant in Captain Ross's Company which 
was recruited in Lancaster County, Pa., and immediately sent 
to escort an ammunition wagon, of which Washington's army 
was desperately in need, to Cambridge. This duty he carried 
out with such satisfaction that on June 25th he was advanced 
to Adjutant in Colonel William Thompson's Battalion of Sharp- 
shooters. Colonel Thompson the more gladly accepted his ser- 
vices as he was aware of the fact that Ziegler was an experienced 
soldier and officer of a great European conflict and therefore 
familiar with the art of war. This Battalion consisted almost 
wholly of Germans and was, with the assistance of Ziegler so 
quickly and efficiently formed as to be the first organization out- 
side of a Massachusetts regiment that appeared upon the scene 



6 Major David Zieglcr, 

of war. After the first of January, 1776, it became the first 
regiment "of the army of the United Colonies commanded by 
his Excellency, George Washington, Esquire, General and Com- 
mander-in-Chief". A return dated headquarters at Cambridge 
August i8th, 1775, shows that there were three field of^cers, 
nine captains, twenty-seven lieutenants, the adjutant, quarter- 
master, surgeon and mate, twenty-nine sergeants, thirteen drums 
and fife and seven hundred and thirteen rank and file present 
fit for duty. This Battalion formed a picket guard of two 
thousand provincials, who, on the evening of the twent}'-sixth 
of August took possession of and threw up entrenchments on 
I'loughed Hill, and on the morning of the twenty-seventh met 
with its first loss, private Simpson of Smith's Company, who 
was wounded in the leg and died therefrom. Other interesting 
details of the services of this Battalion can be found in "Penn- 
sylvania in the War of the Revolution", A"ol. I, pp. 3-24. 

That Ziegler. who believed in discipline, had his troubles 
with men unaccustomed to obedience, the prime requisite in a 
soldier, is evidenced by a cotemporary letter from which we 
quote : 

"Tlie remissness of discipline and care in our young ofificers has 
rendered tfie men rathier insolent for good soldiers. They had twice be- 
fore broken open our guard house and released their companions who 
were confined there for small crimes, and once it was with the utmost 
difficulty that they were kept from rescuing an offender in the presence 
of all their officers. They openly damned them and behaved. with great 
insolence, f-fowever, the Colonel was pleased to pardon the men and 
all remained quiet; but on Sunday last the Adjutant having confined a 
Sergeant for neglect of duty and murmuring the men began again and 
threatened to take him out. The adjutant, being a man c^f spirit, seized 
the principal mutineer and put him in also, and coming to report the 
matter to the Colonel, where we were all sitting after dinner were 
alarmed with a huzzaing and upon going out found they had broken 
open the guard house and taken the man out." 

The insubordination above detailed did not stibside until 
Generals Washington, Lee and Greene came and ordered the 
mutineers surrounded with loaded guns and the ring leaders 
bound. The men were stil)sequently tried by General Court 



Major David Zieqlcr. 



Martial, convicted of mutiny, and fined twenty shillings each for 
the use of the hospital. 

In a letter from Lieut. Colonel Hand to his wife dated Camp 
on Prospect Hill, loth November, 1775, there is an account of 
an incident that must have pleased some of the men whom the 
adjutant had disciplined. "David Ziegler, who acts as Adjutant, 
tumbled over the bridge into ten or twelve feet of water; he 
got out safe with the damage of his rifle only." The ability 
shown by Ziegler in the efficient organization of this Battalion 

was soon recognized by the 
military authorities, and 
when the army was reorgan- 
ized he was promoted to the 
Second Lieutenancy in the 
First Regiment Continental 
Infantry, January- i, 1776. 
With this regiment Zeigler 
participated in the Battle of 
Long Island, August 27th, 
1776, where he was severely 
wounded, and had to be 
transferred to the hospital. 
In \^olume VI of the Jour- 
nals of the Continental Con- 
gress it appears on page 904 
that on October 25th, 1776, a 
resolution was offered "that 
two month's pay be advanced 
to Lieutenant David Zeigler, 
who was wounded and come to Philadelphia for the purpose of 
perfecting his cure." He was commissioned First Lieutenant Jan- 
uary 16, 1777, and at the session of the Continental Congress of 
July igth, 1777, a report was received from a Board of War 
of same date at which Mr. John Adams, Mr. S. Adams, Mr. 
Wilson and Mr. Clymer were present, "agreed, that Lieut. David 
Ziegler of Colonel Chamber's regiment who was wounded at Long 
Island and is incapable of doing field duty be appointed a Captain 




Flag of Col. Wm. Thompson's 
Battalion of Riflemen. 



8 Major David Ziegler. 

in the corps of invalids, the relative rank of the officers of said 
corps to b'e hereafter settled." 

When he rejoined his regiment he participated in the suffer- 
ings of that dreadful winter at Valley Forge. During the next 
campaign Ziegler fought in the battles of Brandywine, Bergen's 




X^/^j-^JiJ4 



Point, Germantown and Paoli, and in the year 1778 distinguished 
himself at the battle of Monmouth or Freehold church. He 
received a meritorious mentioning in the report of General St. 
Glair followed by a promotion to a Captaincy December 8, 1778. 
From his promotion until the end of the Revolution he served as 



Major David Zieglcr. 9 

Senior Captain in a famous regiment which Cieneral Wayne said 
"ahvays stepped first for glory." The same day that he was 
commissioned, Captain Ziegler was made Brigade Inspector oi 
the Pennsylvania Brigade, Department of the South, he being 
like Von Steuben and DeKalb, an excellent drill master. Par- 
enthetically on account of his name and coming with Lafayette, 
DeKalb was credited to France, but he was a German by birth, his 
father being Johann L. Kalb, a farmer near Altdorf, Germany. 
We next find Ziegler detailea by General St. Clair, then 
the commander of the Department of Pennsylvania, as Com- 
missary General of that department with headquarters at Waynes- 
boro (from May, 1779 to May, 1780). 

It is quite interesting in connection herewith to introduce 
extracts from a couple of official letters written by Ziegler dur- 
ing that period, as bearing upon the characteristics of the man, 
as well as on the progress he made in acquiring the English 
language during the short period of his stay in America. These 
letters, in his own handwriting, are preserved, among the nu- 
merous letters, in the Archives of the State of Pennsylvania 
at Harrisburg. 

Extract from a letter of Ziegler to the Supreme Executive 
Council of Pa., dated at Waynesborough, May 4, 1779: 

"Your Honors Instruction, received from Major Gen. St. Clair 
the first May, shall strictly observe. (On account of) The scarcity 
of some articals received by the last cargo, (I) Issued of every artical 
one Week(s)i Allowance to the non commissioned Officers and Soldiers 
only, (and will) keep the rest for the Gentleman Officers, except spirit 
and Soap, which will be sufficient Quantity on hand for distribution for 
the Line this (these) 3 weeks the(y) approve of it, if it would have 
your Honours Approbation by doing so alwase (always) in the future. 
This moment have an opportunity to send with Captain Heydrick, of 
Philadelphia, 6000 dollars to Lieut. Col'o. Farmer. 

"Honourable Gentlemen, I am, &c., 

David Ziegler, 
Caft. \st Pcini'a. Kccft." 

Extract from a letter dated December 26th, 1779. and 
addressed to President Joseph Reed : 



10 Major David Zicglcr. 

Honourable General: 

"Great Uneasiness was among the Gentlemen Officers in not re- 
ceiving Tea and Coffee, or some article in Liu of said. After inform- 
ing them that it could not be procured, they all was Satisfay'd. Humbly 
I beg your Excellency of (for) a few Lines to the Officers Commanding 
the Division in regard to this, which would have more to say than if (I) 
was Able to Speak a week long to them, and would take (give) general 
Satisfaction in the Line. I am no writer to make Expressions, how well 
it would be for the Gentlemen which takes my place after this. 

"The Artillery, 4th and 11th P. Regiments proposed to draw^ from 
me by the 1st January. T therefore send my Serjeant to Philad'a for 
forwarding a Large Cargo, which will hv transported by Land from 
Philadelphia. 

■"Honourable General. 1 have the Honour tcj lie &c., 

David Ziegler^ 
Cat't. 1 P. Rccj't. 

Ziegler, however, loved the active service l)etter than the 
attending to tlie troublesome btisiness affairs of the commissary 
department. Again and again he applied to the Supreme Execu- 
tive Council to relieve him of this disagreeable position, so that 
he might take to the field once more — his original love. In 
the beginning of the year 1780, during a temporary illness, he 
was gratified by receiving a successor in the person of Captain 
Lytle, but the latter proved inefficient for the place, and Ziegler 
was again ordered on duty at the commissariat department. 
Under date of April 27, 1780, he writes to President Reed: 
"I should be very happy if Mr. Lytle could fulfil the post, as 
I would rather do my duty in the Regiment : but as it is the desire 
of the Honble. Counsil that I should resume the ofifice (that of 
Commissary General) I should be very happy if agreeable to the 
Honble. Counsil that Mr. Lytle should issue and other (another) 
Cargo, and then if he does not get acquainted with the Business, 
I cannot refuse, etc." 

Of the high estimation in which Ziegler's services were 
held in this department by the authorities, we have appreciative 
testimony in the correspondence between Colonel Francis Johns- 
ton and President Reed. Colonel Johnston, in a letter to Reed, 
dated Morristown, May 2, 1780, complains that the Council 
intended to again put Captain Ziegler in the charge of the com- 
missary-general's department, and dismissing Mr. Lytle there- 
from, to this President Reed replies, on May 10, 1780, as follows: 



Major Dai'id Zicf/lci. 11 

"Sir: — I received your Favour of the 2(1 Inst. As Mr. Lytic 
only acted during Capt. Ziegler's Absence from Camp, and the 
office of issuing the stores must be attended with a great deal of 
Trouble, we didn't expect our Intimation to Captain Ziegler 
could have given any Uneasiness. As we had no intention to 
hurt ]\Ir. Lytle's feelings, or injure his character, we have no 
Difficulty in saying so, and hope on a like occasion he will ex- 
press himself more cautiously. At the .same Time from our 
Knowledge and Experience of Capt. Ziegler, the Regularity of 
his Accounts, his Accommodating himself to our Circumstances, 
and I may also add his respect and attention to the authority of 
the state, we did not desire any change, and always considered 
]\Ir. Lytle as temporary officer during Capt. Ziegler's Illness. . . 
If Capt. Ziegler can resmne the office, it would be most agreeable 
to us ; if he cannot, Mr. Lytle may continue, or the command'g 
Officer of the Division may nominate one who will be agreeable to 
the officers." 

It seems that his wishes were gratified, for we find him, 
August 2, again with his Regiment at \>rplanck's Point on the 
Hudson, where he presided that day at a Court-Martial. Never- 
theless, when in the division to which his regiment belonged, 
(St. Clair's) there were derelictions in the commissary or quarter- 
master's departnients, he would invariably be sent to attend to 
the matter. Notices like the following: "Capt. Ziegler was sent 
to look after the Commissary, who failed to appear;" and "Capt. 
Ziegler was dispatched to procure a new store of clothing, or of 
provisions"; or "Capt. Ziegler arrived this morning with his 
stores", may be found all through Feltman's or Denny's Journals. 

He was, likewise, considered a model disciplinarian, and 
many proofs are extant on the order books of St. Clair's division 
testifying to this fact. For instance, on June 23, 1779: "Capt. 
Ziegler is to take the Command of Capt. Hamilton's Company, 
which appeared very lax at the maneuvres last evening, and drill 
the same, and he is to be obeyed and respected." Or the follow- 
ing notice from Feltman's Journal of ]\Iarch 31, 1782: "Capt. 
Ziegler was ordered to take command of Capt. Stevenson's 
Company for drilling, until otherwise commanded." 

An excellent and intrepid soldier, he was particularly pnuid 



12 Major Da-c'id ZiegJer. 

of the disci])line and military appearance of the company he 
commancle.l, "'wl ich", as Alexander Garden, adjutant of Lee's 
Legion testifies, "was a model company in the service." On one 
occasion, while Ziegler was commanded to conduct a number or 
prisoners to a British out-post, he addressed himself to his men, 
whom he was ambitious to show to the best advantage : assuming 
an erect posture and with an air of great dignity said: "Schentel- 
mens, you are now to meed with civility the enemy of your 
country, and you must make dem regard you with profound and 
respectful admiration. Be please, den, to look great [German, 
gerade — (straight — erect)] to look graceful — to look like der 
Devil — to look like me." 

The article of ^liss Steele is authority for this paragraph. 
Once during the Revolutionary war he was taken prisoner. The 
follow'ing account of the adventure is given by The American 
Pioneer: '-General Samuel Findley, Major Ziegler and ISIajor 
Thomas Martin were captured by the British and imprisoned in 
Philadelphia. They made their escape, INIartin killing the British 
officer in pursuit with a club. Reaching the house of a German 
Major Martin passed Ziegler — who was a Prussian — for a Ger- 
man doctor, who, by making pills of bread cured the landlady 
and escaped a bill of charges." A niece of the Alajur often 
related this story, but she said that he dosed the landlady with 
hair powder, shaken from a powder pufif wdiich he carried in a 
box in his pocket. His powder puff figured in many a joke at 
a later date. He was very witty and fond of a good story and 
numerous humorous anecdotes about him used to be in circula- 
tion among his friends. 

In 1780 just before the mutiny of the troops at Morris- 
tow^n w^hen an effort was at last being made to satisfy their just 
demand Ziegler was appointed by Pennsylvania State Clothier 
and Issuing Commissary of State stores, and was sent to Presi- 
dent Reed with an estimate of the clothing needed for the troops 
by Wayne, who stated in his letter that the British were dis- 
tributing proclamations among the poorly fed and scantily clothed 
colonial scldiers and added "Captain Ziegler will be able to 
inform ^'our Excellency of matters I don't choose to commit 
to pa])er." 



Major Pa: id Zicf/lci. 



13 



Beginning Jan. i, 1781, there was a revolt in the [Pennsyl- 
vania lines due to the wants and sufferings of the men and some 
misrepresentation that had been made in the matter of enlist- 
ment. Ziegler's company was not among the mutineers owing 
to the strict discipline enforced by him. 




The Pennsylvania line was almost wholly dissolved by the 
revolt, and it was a long time before the people recovered from 
the panic produced by it. The Congressional Committee, which 
was prob'ably not very strict in examining the claims for dis- 
charge, set free about 1250 men, being more than one half of 



14 Major David Zieqler, 

the division. Measures were at once taken to recruit the Regi- 
ments and to reorganize the division. It was decided to reduce 
the number of regiments to six and it was of course necessary to 
retire a number of officers. Ziegler was among those retained, 
and participated in the Virginia campaign and was present at 
the surrender of Lord CornwalHs at Yorktown, his company 
belonging to the division of Baron von Steuben that held the 
trenches on the day of capitulation. 

The fall of Yorktown virtually ended the war. Neverthe- 
less, there was as yet no peace, nor was there a cessation of 
hostilities agreed upon. So the Pennsylvanians under Wayne 
were ordered to South Carolina, where they joined the army of 
General Greene at Round O January 4, 1782. Meanwhile, 
Ziegler was again detached on commissary duties, but on March 
29, 1782 rejoined his regiment. From that time on we have 
very little information of his movements, excepting that on April 
12, he was sent with a flag of truce to the enemy's lines. (Felt- 
man's Journal). 

The end of the war came, however, and, though it was 
acceptable in the highest degree to the American people, it was 
not quite so Welcome to the soldiers of fortune, who sought not 
only reputation but also support, by their swords. This was like- 
wise the case with Captain Ziegler, retired Jan. i, 1783. 

Alexander Garden, in his "Anecdotes of the American Rev. 
olution," (Vol. ii, p. 370) relates the following of our meritorious 
officer : "I remember full well, when the army was reviewed for 
the last time on James' Island, and a "feu de joie" was fired to 
celebrate the return of peace, that Captain Ziegler of the Pennsyl- 
vania line, after saluting General Greene, significantly shrugging 
his shoulders, and dropping the point of his sword, gave vent 
to an agony of tears. The review ended. On being questioned 
as to the cause of his emotion, he feelingly said : "Although I 
am happy in the thought that my fellow soldiers may now seek 
their homes to enjoy the rewards of their toils and all the delights 
of domestic felicity, I cannot but remember that I am left alone 
on the busy scene of life, a wanderer, without friends, and with- 
out employment ; and that a soldier from infancy, I am now com- 
pelled to seek a precarious subsistence in some new channel, 



Major Daz'id Zia/lcr. 



15 



where ignorance and inability may mar my fortune, and con- 
demn me to perpetual obscurity." Garden adds that that was 
only the purport of his speech in plain language, but that it was 
not the exact words, as Ziegler's usual style of speaking at that 
time was a mixture of German and English words, by which 
he formed a dialect not easily to be comprehended. 




Gen. Anthony Wayne. 



But Captain Ziegler should not end his life in obscurity — ■* 
a fate which he dreaded so much. He was destined to continue 
a useful American citizen, and besides to earn the distinction of 
becoming the first chief magistrate of the metropolitan city of 
the Ohio Valley. With the chronicles of Cincinnati liis name 



16 Major Dai'id Zicf/lcr. 

will be forever associated, and when the historians of the "Oueen 
City" delineate the events which indicate the tracings of that 
city's annals, they find the footmarks of r3avid Ziegler imprinted 
so indelibly on its monumental rock that they cannot but take 
that cognizance thereof, which is due to one of its most distin- 
guished and honorable citizens. 

Before returning to the narrative of Ziegler's life it is 
proper to here insert a short account of an organization to 
which he belonged and of which membership he was very proud. 
Many representatives of the American army being assembled 
at the quarters of Major General Baron von Steuben in May 
1783, the following was adopted: 

It having pleased the Supreme Governor of the Universe, in the 
Disposition of Human Affairs, to cause the Separation of the C ninnies 
of North America from the Domination of Great Britain, and after a 
bloody Conflict of Eight Years to establish them free and independent 
sovereign States, connected by Alliances founded on reciprocal Ad- 
vantage with some of the Great Princes and Powers of t'^e Eirth. 

To perpetuate, therefore, as well the Remembranc ■ of this \'ast 
Event as the mutual Friendships which have been formed undi r the 
Pressure of common Danger, and in many Instances cemented by the 
Blood of the Parties, the Officers of the American Army do hereby in 
the most Solemn Manner associate, constitute, and combine themselves 
intt) one Society of Friends, to endure as long as they shall endure or 
any of their Eldest Male Posterity, and in failure thereof the Collateral 
Branches, who may be judged worthy of becoming its Supporters and 
Members. 

The Officers of The American Army, having generally been taken 
from the Citizens of America, possess high Veneration for the Character 
of that illustrious Roman Lucius Quintius Cincinnatus, and being re- 
solved to follow his Example by returning to their Citizenship, they think 
they may with Propriety denominate themselves The Society of the 
Cincinnati. 

The fdllowing Principles shall be immutalile, and form the Ikisis 
of the Society of the Cincinnati. 

.An Incessant .Attention to preserve inviolate those exalted Rights and 
Liberties of Human Nature for which they have fought and bled and 
without which the high Rank of a Rational P>eing is a Curse Instead of a 
Blessing. 

y\n unalterable Determination to promote and cherish between the 
respective States, that Union and National Honour, so essentially neces- 
sary to their happiness, and the future Dignity of the .\merican Empire. 



Major David Zicqlcr. 



17 




18 Major David Ziegler. 

Without giving further details of the institution of this 
Society and the various State branches, it is sufficient to add 
that on the fourth day of October, 1783, the state Society of the 
Cincinnati of Pennsylvania met at the city tavern in Philadel- 
phia pursuant to notice, elected Major General St. Clair Presi- 
dent, Brigadier General Wayne Vice-President and Lieut. Col- 
onel Harmar Secretary. However laudable the objects of the 
organization, it appears from a letter of General Irvine to 
Wayne in April 1784 "The Society of, the Cincinnati is now 
bandied about in this quarter, and held up as a growing evil of 
vast importance — in short as the forerunner of the entire loss of 
liberty. I was informed yesterday that a scheme is on foot if 
the election can be carried, to disfranchise every member of 
the society as a preparation ; in case they have spirit to resent 
— to drive every soul out of the state." Wayne in his reply cor- 
rectly says "envy — that green-eyed monster, will stimulate them 
to seize with avidity every opportunity (or rather pretext) to 
depreciate the merits of those who have filled the breach, and 
bled at every pore, nor is caitiff ingratitude the growth of any 
particular country or climate." 

Continuing the narrative of Ziegler's life we find that when 
the revolutionary soldiers were mustered out of service, which 
in his case took place January ist, 1783, he settled in Carlisle, 
Pa., where he opened a grocery and produce store. This was, 
however, not precisely in accordance with the disposition of our 
man at that period in his life. Born to military life, and having 
had eight years experience with American troops he doubtless 
realized the truth of some of the lessons to be drawn from the 
Revolution as set out in Upton's most valuable work "The Mili- 
tary Policy of the United States;" 

That nearly all the dangers which threatened the cause of inde- 
pendence may be traced to the total inexperience of our statesmen in 
regard to military affairs, which led to vital mistakes in army legislation. 

That the war resources of a nation can only be called forth and 
energetically directed by one general government to which the people 
owe a paramount allegiance. 

No matter what reasons may be given for the adoption of an un- 
wise military policy, that these are powerless to diminish or modify the 
disastrous effects which inevitably follow. 



Major David Zieqler. 19 

That when a nation attempts to combat disciplined troops with raw 
levies, it must maintain an army of at least twice the size of that of the 
enemy, and even then have no guarantee of success. 

That neither voluntary enlistments based on patriotism, nor the 
bounty, can be relied upon to supply men for the army during a pro- 
longed war. 

That short enlistments are destructive to discipline, constantly expose 
an army to disaster, and inevitably prolong war with all its attendant 
dangers and expenses. 

That regular troops, engaged for the war, are the only safe reliance 
of a. government, and are in every point of view the best and most 
economical. 

That troops become reliable only in proportion as they are dis- 
ciplined; that discipline is the fruit of long training, and cannot be at- 
tained without the existence of a good corps of officers. 

Notwithstanding adverse military conditions at that time 
(and which have since but partially been remedied by the Dick 
bill, making every member of the National Guard a soldier in the 
first line of defense, at the outbreak of war) Ziegler was 
desirous of returning to the army, and consequently was highly 
gratified when, through the intercession of General Irvine, he 
received again a Captain's commission from President Dickin- 
son of Pennsvlvania to take part in the then threatening Indian 
War. 

In Rosengartens "The German Soldier in the Wars of the 
United States," it is stated, "In the Indian border warfare be- 
tween 1786 and 1 79 1 a leading figure was that of David Ziegler. 
whose story is typical of that of many of our early German 
soldiers." 

Ziegler was assigned to the first Pennsylvania regiment un- 
der command of Colonel Josiah Harmar and soon after detailed 
for the recruiting service and raised himself a company of which 
he was commissioned Captain, August 12, 1784. Strong's, Ham- 
tramck"s and Ziegler's Companies of the first regiment were on 
October 6, 1785, stationed at West Point. Major Wyllis ar- 
rived from New York Nov. 17, 1785, with orders for the troops 
to march immediately for the western frontier, where thev ar- 
rived in December. They rested four days at Fort Pitt and then 
proceeded to Fort Mcintosh, Beaver, Pa., twenty-nine miles 



20 Major Daiid Zicalcr. 

below Pittsburg. April 12th (1786) an express arrived at Fort 
Mcintosh from Fort Pitt with information that a number oi 
Indians had come in there the night before, their design unknown. 
Captain Ziegler set out immediately to ascertain their intentions. 
On ]\Iay 4th Ziegler's and Strong's companies embarked for 
Muskingum where they arrived on May 8 and encamped in the 
woods a little distance from Fort Harmar, which had been built 
by Major Doughty the preceding autumn. 

All along the winding river, 

And adown the shady glen, 
On the hill and in the valley. 

The voice of war resounds again. 

For the following four years these two companies marched 
from one place to another in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Ken- 
tucky, under command of Harmar, not remaining long anywhere, 
protecting settlers, guarding surveyors, and government agents 
or army officers who were endeavoring to make treaties with the 
Indians. 

In addition to the fatigue and dangers of these summer 
marches through the wilderness, they often, in the winter dur- 
ing the first years, suffered from the lack of sufficient food. The 
Journal of one Joseph Buel records that one Christmas was very 
melancholy, as they had little to eat and nothing to make merry 
with. Later they cultivated fine gardens and orchards, at Fort 
Harmar, and their regularly employed hunters brought them game 
and venison from the woods. When they returned to winter 
headquarters at Marietta from their military expeditions, the 
soldiers collected boat loads of provisions from the settlers along 
the river. 

During his stay at Fort Harmar Ziegler had a contest of rank 
with Captain Ferguson, who had joined the service after Ziegler, 
but whose company was mustered into the service of Congress 
a few days before Ziegler's. In spite of Colonel Harmar's sid- 
ing with Captain Ferguson, Ziegler came out the victor, General 
Knox, then Secretary of War, ruling that the service began with 
the mustering of the troops by the Province of Pennsylvania, be- 
fore Congress had resolved to make the army general, and of 



Major Da: id Zicc/ler. 21 

the United States. Ziegler, therefore, was unquestionably the 
senior in the service, and had the prior''^^ of rank. When Wash- 
ington — 1789— became President, he settled the dispute b'y ap- 
pointing Ferguson to a captaincy of the artillery in Harmar's 
little army, and promoting Ziegler to be Major of the regular 
army; "a deserved rebuke," writes Klauprecht, "to the intrigues 
that sought to shove a highly meritorious officer to the rear, be- 
cause he happened to be a foreigner." (The records of this quar- 
rel are fully set forth in "Pennsylvania Archives," O. S., vol. xi, 
p. 240 sq., and the "Colonial Records of Pennsylvania," vol. xv, 
pp. 381, 394. 437-) 

The little army led a stirring life though at times there 
was no fighting, and Major Ziegler and his company seem to 
have marched or embarked with every party of soldiers that 
was sent out. May loth Captain Ziegler's company embarked 
for the Miami (Losantiville, Columbia, North Bend, etc.), The 
Military Journal of Ebenezer Denny stating that Captain Zieg- 
ler's company had then seventy men. Under date of June 15th 
Denny wrote to Colonel Harmar stating among other facts : 

The arrival of Captain Ziegler's Company has added much to the 
appearance of this place, and something to the other companies. For 
since, a better spirit of emulation has subsisted, which has been of 
service. Capt. Ziegler tells me the regimental book for last year was 
left at MTntosh, and not used very well by the oflicers last winter ; 
I am sorry for it, but hope you will get it. 

In July of this year Ziegler's and Finney's Company were 
sent from the Miami to the Rapids of the Ohio to protect the in- 
habitants from Indians. About October 1786 they erected Fort 
Finney, later they evacuated that place and erected a small works 
opposite Louisville. 

During the summer of 1787 Harmar made his western ex- 
pedition for the purpose of treating with the Indians and deciding 
difficulty among the settlers about public and private property. 

An official report of the Colonel commanding to the Secre- 
tary of War under date of June 7th, 1787, reads: 

The following is the arrangement which I have made of the troops 
and I hope it will meet with your approbation; at the rapids of the Ohio 



22 



Major David Zicgler. 



Captain Finney, Captain Ziegler, Captain Strong, Captain Mercer and 

Captain Smith with their companies and Captain Ferguson with forty 

artillerymen and a brass three pounder, making, in the whole, three 
hundred and twenty nine men. 

From a camp on the Kentucky shore just below the rapids^ 
on July 7th, 1787, Harmar writes : 




Last night I detached Captain Ziegler with sixty six men in eight 
Kentucky boats, two large keel boats, one small keel boat and two canoes 
laden with flour, cattle, whiskey etc., being three months provisions for 
three hundred men with orders to halt at what is called the Landing 
and carrying-place, a few miles on this side of Greene River, called in 
Hutchinson's map "Buffalo River." Tomorrow morning, early, I shall 



Ala i or David Zieqler. 23 

move with the troops and the remainder of the fleet and shall overtake 
Ziegler. I propose to march by land from this carrying place to Post 
Vincennes; the distance I am well informed is no more than fifty miles. 

The foregoing is confirmed in Denny's Journal, and this ex- 
pedition Buel refers to in the following extract : — 

"July 8th, 178^7, our regiment embarked (at the falls of the Ohio, 
now Louisville, for Post Vincennes) at G o'clock A. M. on board of 
boats, with their horses and cattle. 

July 10th, we arrived at Pigeons Creek one hundred miles below 
the falls, at one o'clock P. M., sent off our boats with an escort of 100 
men to transport the baggage up the Wabash river. 

July 27th an express arrived and informed that the indians had 
attacked one of our boats and killed one man of Ziegler's Company and a 
number of inhabitants. 

October 1st, Ziegler's and wStrong's companies marched at 11 A. M. 
for the Rapids of the Ohio through the wilderness. The tour was more 
pleasant than in July. 

October 7th, we arrived at the rapids a little before sunset after a 
fatiguing march. 

October 29'th, the two companies embarked at 11 A. M. for Fort 
Harmar. 

November 1st, we continue our passage and make about fifteen miles 
a day up stream. Every night we encamp on the shore and embark early 
in the A. M. 

November 21st, we had a fine breeze, and reached Muskingum at 10 
o'clock A. M. and took possession of our old quarters." 

Denny's notes for December 1787 and Jan., Feb., March, are 
meagre, but on March 9th he wrote 

"Although the time, for which the men now in service were enlisted, 
does not expire until mid summer, yet, to provide recruits and to have 
them out in season, it was thought advisable that a few officers should 
go to their respective States for that purpose. Accordingly Captain 
Ziegler and Bradford and Lieut. Pratt, all volunteering this service, 
set out." 

Part of the spring and summer was spent by Ziegler in Penn- 
sylvania securing recruits. A letter of Ziezler to President 
Franklin, dated Philadelphia, May 9, 1788, gives another side 
light on the man : 

Abraham Widdow (Wittau) a soldier in my company, which was 
killed last July in the river Wabash by the Kickabus left in my posses- 



24 Major David Zicglcr. 

sion his Patent of 2UU acres in Westmoreland County granted him by 
this state, for his passed Services rendered last war, made no will, has 
also no relation in this Country to my knowledge, would wish of your 
honorable Body to be informed how to act (here part of manscript miss- 
ing) with respect of the Pay and Arrears is, when no will or relation 
are to be found, all those are gains to the United States According to the 
rules of the Articles of last war. When I marched from the city, Col. 
Harmar directed me to furnish my men with small Jackets (called 
fatigue coats) to preserve the New Clothing. I did so and purchased 
the cloathing and trimmings at a great price at Pittsburg and as Casual- 
ties will happen in a Company, meet with a considerable los, and also 
my fond is of a little Weight, mus for the Ambition Sex (for ambition's 
sake) have some again made, if only your honorable Body grant me the 
Allowance the Hon'ble House of Assembly voted to the recruiting officers 
(which was one Dollar pr men) and some Expenses rendering that 
service to enable me to outshin every one of the Vestern station (mean- 
ing that if the promised money were paid to him he would expend it for 
the better equipment of his company). 

As indicated Ziegler had recruited a company with which 
he arrived at Fort Pitt early in August, 1788. 
The following letter has been preserved : — 

Fort Harmar, August 7, 1788. 

Dear Sir: — I have received your several letters from Philadelphia 
and one from Carlisle. I expect this will find you at Fort Pitt. The 
Six Nations are on their way by water to the treaty, which is to be 
held at this post. I am informed that several vagabonds in the neighbor- 
hood of Wheeling, n-.ean to fire upon these Indians on their passage 
down the Ohio to this post. Such a step might be attended with ruinous 
consequences. You are hereby ordered to take the said Indians under 
your protection and safely escort them to this garrison. Treat them 
kindly, and if any of these lawless rascals should presume to fire upon 
them, you are ordered to land and attack them in return, for their 
insolence anji defiance of the supreme authority. 

I am, dear sir &c., 

Jos. Harmar. 

Capt. David Ziegler at Fort Pitt. 

Captain Ziegler returned to Fort Harmar in September es- 
corting from Fort Pitt, General Butler, Captain O'Hara and the 
friendly chief Cornplanter, with about 50 Seneca Indians, who 
came to negotiate a treaty with the United States government. 
Major Denny says that "Ziegler and his party were received with 



Major Dazid Zic(/!cr. 25 

a salute of three rounds of cannon and the music ;" and Buel 
savs "we sahited them with our field pieces which they returned 
with a running fire from their rifies." 

"Soon after we left the point" Dr. Cutter writes in his 
journal "saw the soldiers and a number of Indians expected 
from Fort Pitt coming down on the other side of Kerr's Island. 
We crossed the river and met them. Captain Ziegler commanded 
the company of new levies of 55 men. There were about fifty 
Indians in canoes lashed together. The soldiers were paraded in a 
very large boat, stood upon a platform and were properly parad- 
ed with the American flag in the stern. Just as we got up to 
them they began to fire by platoons. After they had fired, the In- 
dians fired from their canoes singly, or rather confusedly. The 
Indians had two small flags of thirteen stripes. They were ans- 
wered from the garrison by train, who fired three field pieces; 
flag hoisted." 

The foregoing is confirmed in an official letter of Harmar 
of September 4th who mentions Halftown, an Oneida Chief, 
as being in the party, and several of the six nations amounting 
in the whole to about fifty, including men, women and children. 

In December 1789 General Harmar left Marietta for Fort 
Washington (Cincinnati, O.), which had been built a few 
months before by a body of troops under Major Doughty. The 
site selected was a little east of Broadway just outside the vil- 
lage limits and where Third street now crosses it. The fort was 
a solid substantial fortress of hewn timber, about 180 feet 
square, with block houses at the four angles, and two stories 
high. Fifteen acres were reserved there by the government. 
It was the most important and extensive military work then in 
the territories, and figured largely in the Indian wars of the 
period. General Harmar left Captain Ziegler at Fort Harmar 
with twenty soldiers. Those who remained received their pay 
the day before Christmas as is shown by Captain David Ziegler's 
receipt, dated December 24th, for $859.45, paid himself and his 
(Company, which is still preserved. 

"Work without hope draws nectar in a sieve, 
And hope without an object cannot live." 



26 



Major David Zicgler. 



Ziegler, during his stay at Marietta, gained the good 
will of the inhabitants, and, says Klauprecht, (in his "Deutsche 
Chronik in der Geschichte des Ohio-Thales" ) the love and affec- 
tion of a fair young lady belonging to one of the first and most 
respectable families in New England, Miss Lucy Anne Sheffield,, 
youngest child of Benjamin and Hannah Coggeshall Sheffield. 
She was a native of Jamestown, Rhode Island, and came to 

Marietta December 17, 1788, 
with her mother, then a 
widow. jN'Irs. Sheffield owned 
five shares in the funds of 
the Ohio Company. Of her 
])arty were also her daugh- 
ters and sons-in-law, Mr. 
and Mrs. Isaac Peirce, Mr. 
and Mrs. Charles Green, and 
their children, her brother,, 
Daniel Coggeshall and fam- 
ily and her nephew. Wanton 
Casey, though all did not 
arrive the same day. 

It will be interesting to 
note from the Journal of 
Denny, Ziegler's fellow offi- 
cer, in the First Regiment 
of the army, the following 
extract : 




/^ C'-^:^-*'^ 



"22nd (Feb. 1789), married this evening, Captain David Ziegler, of 
the First Regiment, to Miss Sheffield, only single daughter of Mrs. 
Sheffield of Campus Martius, City of Marietta. On this occasion I 
played the Captain's aid, and at his request the memorandums made. 
I exhibit a character not more awkward than strange at the celebration 
of Captain's nuptials, the first of the kind I have been a witness to." 

Major Denny records at another place the following high 
compliment to Ziegler's soldiership — 

"Ziegler is a German and has been in the Saxon service previous 
to our late war with England, takes pride in having the handsomest Com- 
pany in the regiment, to do him justice his company has been always 



Major David Zicgler. 27 

considered the first in point of discipline and appearance. Four fifths 
of the company have been Germans, majority of the present are men who 
served in Germany." 

Ziegler was in frequent communication with his superior 
ofificers as is shown by the following letter : — 

Fort Washington, April 5, 1790. 

Dear Sir: — I have received your several letters of the 18th Feb- 
ruary, and the 6th, 24th, 26th and 27th ult. 

You did right in sending the two men with the contractor's boat, as 
the Indians begin already to be very troublesome on the river near Scioto. 

The clothing, sheet iron, cartridges and flints all arrived safe. The 
remainder of the clothing I shall be expecting when Lieut. Denny arrives. 

Mrs. Harmar joins me in respectful compliments to Mrs. Ziegler 
and Mrs. Hart. Give my compliments to all our New England acquaint- 
ances. I wish their settlement may prosper. We have a delightful 
situation here, and an excellent garrison; on danger, as there is with 
you, of an inujidation. 

I am dear sir, &c., 

Jos. Harmar. 

Captain David Ziegler, Commanding officer at Fort Harmar. 

It was about January 2, 1790, when Governor St. Clair ar- 
rived at Losantiville, and being a member of the Society of Cin- 
cinnati, officially changed the name of the settlement to its present 
name. 

In the summer or fall of 1790 Ziegler joined Harmar at Fort 
Washington, and in September of that year he accompanied 
Harmar in the expedition against the Indian villages near the 
present city of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and which ended in a retreat 
to Fort Washington. The real object of the campaign was, how- 
ever, accomplished by a party of six hundred militia under Col- 
onel Hardin including fifty regulars under command of Captain 
Ziegler. They burned the deserted Indian villages and destroyed 
corn, provisions, and all the property of the Indians, After dis- 
banding his army Harmar resigned his commission and demand- 
ed a court of inquiry at which Captain Ziegler was one of the 
principal witnesses, and attributed the defeat to the insubordina- 
tion of the militia. Governor St. Clair wrote from Marietta, 
Nov. 26th, 1790, to the Secretary of War, "I got to this place 



28 



Major David Zicqlcr. 




Major David Zicqlcr. 29' 

Saturday in company with the remains of Captain Ziegler's 
and Captain Hart's companies which formed the garrison at 
Fort Harmar; l)ut there is not an ounce of provisions of any kind 
for them ; nor is it known when any will arrive. The conse- 
quence is that provisions must be obtained from the inhabitants : 
but what can an infant settlement like this supply?" 

St. Clair hoped that there would be soon received from the 
Indians "an humble supplication for peace," but in this St. 
Clair and the President were doomed to disappointment. The 
influence of the British and the effort of Brant to establish a 
confederacy restrained the Indians and led them to believe it 
possible to drive the whites back across the Ohio. The savages 
intoxicated with joy over their victory began to swarm all over 
the settlements on the Ohio, carrying death and destruction with 
them. They even rushed under the guns of Forts Washington 
and Harmar in the attempt to besiege them. Ziegler, who was 
commissioned Alajor of the First Regiment U. S. Infantry Oct. 
22; 1790, cleared the Muskingum district from the besieging 
Indians and inaugurated such measures that the settlers once 
more felt confident under his command. In order to relieve the 
settlements from the threats of the intrepid red skins St. Clair 
resolved to undertake another campaign against their villages on 
the j\Iaumee. An army of two thousand men. regulars and vol- 
unteers, was recruited and drilled and the militia of the territory 
and the adjoining Kentucky was called into service. Provision's 
and quartermaster's stores w'ere collected at Forts Washington 
and Hamilton and vigorous preparations were made for an effi- 
cient stroke against the savages. Major Ziegler arrived at Fort 
Washington June 20, 1791, with soldiers from Fort Harmar, 10 
join the army of St. Clair. 

General St. Clair left Ludlow Station, now Cumminsville, 
to invade the Indian country September 17, 1791. with over 
2.000 men and built Fort Jefiferson near Greenville, Ohio. On 
the 24th of October the army began the march from Fort Jeffer- 
son in the direction of the present site of Greenville. Imme- 
diately after the outset the scarcity of provisions was felt in the 
army, especially the militia. A great dissatisfaction at once 
began, and on the 31st when beyond the present site of Green- 



30 



Major David Zieglcr. 



ville, several of the militia deserted. General St. Clair, being 
afraid that these deserters would plunder the baggage wagons 
which had been ordered up with fresh supplies dispatched Major 
Ziegler with a part of the First Regiment of regulars after the 
deserters with the object of protecting the stores. The details of 
this disastrous campaign have been very thoroughly depicted in 




Arthur St. Clair. 

Wilson's "Peace of Mad Anthony," and in numerous articles 
heretofore appearing in the 19 volumes of the Ohio State Archjeo- 
logical and Historical Society Quarterly. In the Steele article ap- 
pearing in the Magazine of Western History it is stated "Major 
Ziegler (promoted before this expedition) during this fierce an'l 
cruel engagement in which half the army was killed, exhibited the 



Major David Zicqlcr. 31 

coolness and courage which were characteristic of him. His duty 
obHging him to remain for some time stationary on a spot ex- 
posed from every direction to the bullets and tomahawks of 
the Indians, he seated himself on the stump of a tree, took out 
his pipe, filled and tranquilly smoked it, apparently utterly fear- 
less of dange*- and unmoved by the harrowing sights around 
him." 

On the arrival of the routed army at Fort Jefiferson, St. Clair 
called a Council of the few field officers remaining (Major Zieg- 
ler being one) and all advised an immediate retreat to Fort Wash- 
ington. It began at ten o'clock that night and for nearly two 
■days they had nothing to eat. On the flight of the remnants of 
the army. Major Ziegler was ordered to cover the retreat. This 
was indeed a difficult and extremely dangerous task, but Ziegler 
was the man for the occasion and managed with cool circumspec- 
tion to keep the discipline of his force intact until the frag- 
ments of St. Clair's army were again safely within the walls of 
Fort Washington, which they reached on the 8th of November. 
This was a time of danger and dread to all the inhabitants of the 
Northwest Territory. The Indians, sufficiently feared before, 
were emboldened by St. Clair's defeat. The garrison of the Fort 
as well as the people of Losantiville (or Cincinnati), again as- 
sumed a degree of confidence and security when St. Clair, in 
the absence of Colonel Wilkinson, the next in command, gave 
his powers as commander in chief into the hands of Major 
Ziegler, himself hastening to Philadelphia in December to lay 
before a court of inquiry the information about the causes of the 
calamity. 

So Ziegler was, however for a short period only, the interim- 
istic commander in chief of the United States forces. "Envy 
does merit as its shade pursue," and at once intrigues were begun 
for his decapitation. Ziegler knew full well that being inferior 
in rank to Wilkinson, Butler and others, he would have to give 
way at an early date to them ; but the mean spirit with which the 
intriguers w^ent to work was disgusting to him in the highest 
degree. Of course Wilkinson could not assume the command 
except upon proper orders which had not arrived. A know 
nothing, or nativistic spirit and jealousy which had been mani- 



32 Major David Zieglcr. 

fested against Von Steuben, De Kalb and others not of English 
ancestry, was aroused. Wilkinson's resourcefulness at intriguing 
became notorious subsequently in the affair of Aaron Burr, and 
his treasonable letter can be found in Albach's "Annals of the 
West." 

Roosevelt says of him in "The Winning of th^ West": "In 
character Wilkinson can only be compared to Benedict xA-rnoW, 
though he entirely lacked Arnold's ability and brillian. courage." 

Ziegler was made the victim of slanderuus I'harge-^, he 
being accused of drunkenness and insubordination. The corre- 
spondence between General Wilkinson, Ziegler's successor, and 
Captain John Armstrong removes any doubt as to the secret 
activities against Ziegler. Weary of coping with schemes and 
machinations he not only gave up his command but resigned from 
the army, ]\Iarch 5th, 1792. 

Prior to his resignation, Major Ziegler went to Philadelphia 
as a witness for St. Clair, before a congressional committee ap- 
pointed to inquire into the causes of the failure of the last cam- 
paign. His testimony covers several pages of the St. Clair Pa- 
pers and will not here be copied in detail. He confirms the un- 
easiness among the officers on the hearing of Hodgdon's appoint- 
ment as quartermaster to the army, that the pack saddles were 
too large, that the tents were truly infamous by reason of which 
many hundred dozen cartridges were destroyed, and the troops 
not being kept dry were sick in great numbers. That the powder 
was poor, was proved from his own experiment, as he tried it 
and found it extremely weak ; that it would not carry a ball, but 
a small distance compared with genuine powder. That he fre- 
quently noticed General St. Clair, the first up in the morning, 
going from shop to shop to inspect the preparations and that 
he seemed very uneasy at the delay in different preparations that 
were necessary for the campaign. He thought from his own 
experience he had never seen such a degree of trouble thrown 
on the shoulders of any other general that he had served with, 
as upon General St. Clair, from the absence of the Quartermaster 
and the preparations necessary to be made in his department in 
order to b'e able to take the field in season. That it was well 
for the quartermaster that he served in a republican govern- 



Major David Ziegler. 33 

merit; that the axes were too soft, and when used would bend 
up like a dumpling; that in consequence of the badness of the 
axes, he purchased a good one for himself, and used it vigorously 
no doubt, for he says even the officers showed a pride in 
working with the men in order to expedite the work." 

Again quoting Upton, "the great lessons of the Revolution, 
as well as those taught by the recent Miami expedition were 
wasted upon the government." The committee of the House of 
Representatives appointed to investigate this disaster, reported 
that "the militia appear to have been composed principally of 
substitutes and totally ungovernable and regardless of military 
duty and subordination." In the opinion of the committee "the 
want of discipline and experience of the troops" was one of the 
main causes of the defeat. The report concludes as follows : 

''The committee conceive it but just to the Commander in Chief to. 
say that, in their opinion, the failure of the late expedition can in no 
respect be imputed to the conduct of St. Clair, either at any time before 
or during the action." 

Ziegler's acts, while in command at Fort Washington, seem 
to have given general satisfaction, and no less an authority in 
those days than John C. Symmes in a letter to Captain Dayton 
dated January 17th, 1792, referring to the settlement at Coleraine 
(whither General St. Clair, by much importunity, had first sent 
a guard of six soldiers, and then ordered them back to Fort 
Washington,) says "but the next day General St. Clair set out 
for Philadelphia, and ^Nlajor Ziegler came to the command. His 
good sense and humanity induced him to send the six men back 
again in one hour's time as I am told, after General St. Clair left 
Fort Washington, and he assured Mr. Dunlap that he should 
have more soldiers than six, rather than the station should 
break." Symmes naively adds, "^Majors sometimes do more good 
than Generals." 

Ziegler then went to farming. He bought a tract of land, 
then said to be four miles distant from Cincinnati, but at present 
in the first ward of the city, in the vicinity of the East End Gar- 
den, where he erected th.e first stone house in the territory, from 
which his farm acquired the soiil^'riqucf "Ziegler's Sione House 



34 Major David Ziegler. 

Farm." Farming however did not agree with his tastes and so 
he sold the farm to one John Smith, 1797, and then settled in 
Cincinnati where he opened a store on Front Street east of Syca- 
more, next to Grififin Yeatman's tavern. 

He must at one time have been inclined to sell out, as he 
inserted the following characteristic advertisement in the local 
Western Spy : 

"David Ziegler hereby announces that he wishes to sell his supply 
of wares, and wishes to rent his store to some man who can make money 
in it. My chief reason for giving up my business can be foimd in the 
scarcity of money and in the disinclination of the people to pay their 
debts. To those who did not patronize me to buy goods on credit, I 
extend my thanks. The Squire bringing along my ledger will sonn pay 
his respects to those who are delinquent." 

However Ziegler remained in business perhaps realizing as 
a later American poet wrote : 

"Be firm ; one constant element of luck 
Is genuine, solid, old Teutonic pluck." 

Illustrating the form of advertisement of those days and 
the variety of goods kept by him for sale, we copy the follow- 
ing from The Centinel of the North West Territory, Feb. 15, 
1794. ♦ 

"David Ziegler has lately arrived from Philadelphia with a valuable 
and choice assortment of West Indian & dry goods, which are now 
exposed for sale at the store lately occupied by Robert Tait, deceased. 
■Corn will be taken equal to cash." 

On April 25th, 1795, he announces that he has just arrived 
from Philadelphia with a large assortment of drygoods and gro- 
ceries. 

A year later, April 9, 1796, David Ziegler announces that a 
fresh sttpply of dry goods, among which are beautiful Vest 
Patterns, Pour de Roi.v, Pour Princes, and Pour Sicgncur and for 
Republican Gentlemen; the latter are superior to the first. He 
also offers stationery. Books, almost of every Religious Princi- 
ple. Those who come first will first be served, as none will remain 
after they are sold." 



Major David Zicgler. 35 

The news of Washington's death in December 1799 having 
reached Fort Washington, arrangements were made to have ap- 
propriate ceremonies, an account of which appears in the West- 
ern Spy, February 5, 1800. The morning of the solemn day was 
announced by sixteen discharges of cannon, in quick succession. 
At twelve o'clock the troops formed on the flat in front of the 
Garrison where tljey were joined by Captain Findlay's troop 
of horse, the Alasonic Brethren, and a large concourse of citi- 
zens, all eager to testify their high veneration for the character 
of the illustrious deceased, and the deep sense which they enter- 
tained of his loss b.y paying this mournful tribute of respect to 
his memory. The bier was received by the troops formed in lines 
with presented arms, officers, drums and colors saluting. The 
procession moved through dilTerent streets, minute guns firing' 
from the garrison. Major Ziegler was one of the pall bearers, 
and arrived at the place representing that of interment the mili- 
tary halted, the troops leaning on reversed arms. The coffin hav- 
ing been deposited in the grave a prayer suitable for the occasion 
was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Wallace, after which the Masonic 
brethren performed their ceremony. Three discharges of mus- 
ketry over the grave concluded the military ceremony. His ex- 
cellency. Gov. St. Clair, then delivered an address. 

We ascertain from Charles T. Greve's valuable Centennial 
History of Cincinnati that Independence Day was observed in 
1800 at Cincinnati by the members of a poh^tical party, the Re- 
publicans, who had a dinner at Major Ziegler's. 

By the year 1802 Cincinnati had grown rapidly, so much so 
that the legislature of the territory thought proper to incorporate 
the same as a village on January 2, 1802, vesting the legislative 
and executive power in a Board of Council of seven, a President, 
who was to act as the Chief Magistrate of the place, a Recorder, 
a Clerk and a Marshall. 

JUNCTA JUVANT. 

The first election was held on the 3rd of April, 1802, when 
Ziegler was chosen f^resident of the town — that is 10 the Chief 
Magistracv — bv a large majority. "This was expressly done," 
said Judge Burnet, "as a recognition of Ziegler's valual^le ser- 



36 



Major David Zicc/lcr. 




Major David Zic(/lcr. 37 

vices in the protection of the place tkiring the perilous days of 
1791-1792, as well as to make a public amende for the ill treat- 
ment which he had received at the hands of the General Gov- 
ernment." 

His residence at the time of his election to the Presidency 
of the Council was just east of Grifnn Yeatman's tavern. 

According to Henderson's Council, pages 8-9, "His was a 
stately and commanding presence^ especially when he chose to 
array himself, literally, in the purple and fine linen of his elab- 
orate wardrobe. His was an erect, military bearing, with broad 
shoulders, full round face. Smooth shaven (of course at the 
hand of John Arthurs, the first barber and hair dresser of the 
settlement and military post), with large regular features; in all 
a fine, open countenance, that challenged inspection and invited 
confidence. He had ceased to wear his hair "en queue" although 
the fashion was still quite in vogue, but used powder plentifully 
on his full natural hair, which was rolled back from forehead 
and temples, and fell behind upon the high collar of a plum col- 
ored velvet coat upon the left lapel of which glittered the great 
gold badge of the Society of the Cincinnati. Lace ruffles to his 
shirt, lace falls to his sleeves, a long bufif waistcoat, close fitting 
knee breeches or smalls, silk stockings, highly polished shoes 
with silver buckles, and silver buttons on garments and at knees, 
made up his gala costume as a civilian. Such was the appearance 
in his fifty-fourth year of David Ziegler, the first President of 
Cincinnati's first Council." 

The foregoing description is verified in several important 
points, by a beautiful miniature painted on ivory by Pine at Phila- 
delphia in 1799, and now in the possesson of Wm. C. Steele, of 
Rocky Ford, Colorado, to whom we are indebted for a photo- 
graphic copy used in this article. The first ordinance passed by 
the Select Council was an appropriate one for a city to be known 
later as "Porkopolis." It was an ordinance for preventing swine 
from runing at large in certain places. 

The next year Ziegler was unanimously reelected and would 
have been for a third term in 1804, had he not declined. An 
ordinance establishing a night v.atch for tlie n^ore effectual pre- 
vention of fires was the last orc'inance signed by David Ziegler 



38 



Major David Zieqlcr. 



as President. About this time Cincinnati must have had about 
750 inhabitants, having had 500 in 1795 increased to about 960 
by 1805. 

The principal affairs agitating the mind of the inhabitants 




at the time were, first, their own protection from the constant 
attacks of the Indians, who continued to swarm about the set- 
tlement until the Tecumseh war (1811), and second, the con- 
trolling of the rougher elements, who were at the time infesting 



Major Dai'id Zicglcr. 39 

all the backwoods towns. Nor were the inhabitants themselves, 
in general of the finest class. Fights and gambling, brawls,' 
thefts, murders, and plunder prevailed everywhere. Hecke wel- 
der, the Moravian missionary, who visited the Ohio towns at an 
early period, and whose sons and descendants afterwards set- 
tled there, writes that the people of the town were, indeed, a 
hard set, and that drunkenness and fights were of daily occur- 
rence. This testimony is corroborated by Judge Burnett in his 
"Notes on the Settlement of the Northwestern Territory." In. 
an emergency of this kind, "Burgomaster" Ziegler was the suit- 
able person to hold the reins of the unmanageable village team.. 
He organized the militia of the town and enforced the most rigid 
discipline. Every able bodied man had to be a member of the 
mihtia and there was no skulking permitted from the drills and' 
musters which were regularly held by the vigorous commander. 
Ziegler, likewise, established the rule which afterwards was 
adopted at most of the new settlements of the west, that all 
male persons over fourteen years of age, when they went to 
church on Sundays, had to bring with them their muskets, 
powder-flasks, bullet popches, well filled, on penalty of a fine. 

When Ziegler retired from the Chief Magistracy of the 
village he was unanimously chosen commander of the militia, 
and in the year 1807 he was the Adjutant General of Ohio. In 
a speech at Cincinnati in 1876 Mr. William P. Stockton stated 
that he had been a resident of the place for 69 years and well 
remembered that Ziegler, frequently in his official capacity, had 
the local militia paraded for review, more particularly when a 
large body of Indians were in the city, his motive being to im- 
press the redskins. He was appointed by President Jefiferson 
in 1804 the first Marshal of the Ohio District. In politics he 
was a Democratic-Republican, Judge Burnet says in his notes 
(P> ••342) "Only four individuals in Cincinnati and its 
vicinity are now remembered who then (1800) advocated 
the election of Mr. Jefiferson against Mr. Adams (Fed- 
eraHst). These were Major David Ziegler. William Henry 
Harrison, William McMillan and John Smith." In a land 
warrant granted to Ziegler in 1792 he is spoken of as "of 
the State of Pennsylvania." He also received from the State 



40 Major David Zieglcr. 

of Pennsylvania in 1794 a patent for 500 acres of land in the 
eleventh donation district Allegheny Co, "in consideration of 
services rendered as a Captain in the late army of the United 
States." 

His wife being a zealous Presbyterian, his name appears 
together with that of Martin Baum and others on a subscription 
hst dated June nth, 1794, for the purpose of further finishing 
the first meeting house which had been begun in 1792 and was a 
plain frame about 30x40 roofed and weatherboarded with clap- 
boards but neither lathed, plastered nor ceiled. Mrs. Zeigler 
gave largely to the church and to every other good cause from 
her settlement in Cincinnati until her death. Again in 181 2 when 
it became necessary to arrange for a larger building, we find 
that Mr. and Mrs. Ziegler subscribed the sum of $400.00 towards 
the erection of a 68 x 85 feet brick church situated at the rear 
of the old building. Judging from tradition and the printed 
testimony of friends, few pioneer women were more highly 
esteemed and influential than she. Mrs. Ludlow writes : 
''A^Iajor Ziegler said to me On his first visit (April, 1797) 
our ladies are not gay, but they are extremely affectionate, 
one to the other," I believe he spoke the truth. Perfect harmony 
and good will appear to exist in all their intercourse." Certain- 
ly this could have been truly said of Mrs. Ziegler. Among the 
friends of the Zieglers whom Mrs. Ludlow mentions are the 
following gentlemen and their wives : Judge McMillan, Colonel 
Wallace, Judge Burnet, General Gano, General Findley, Gen- 
eral Harrison, Judge J. C. Symmes, General St. Clair, Governor 
Sargeant, George Burnett, Dr. Allison, Jessie Hunt, John Smith, 
M. C. In the collection of the Historical and Philosophical 
Society of Ohio are a number of invitations which reflect upon 
the social life of that time. One reads, "The honor of Mrs. 
Findlay's company is solicited at a ball, on Friday evening, the 
4th inst., at 7 o'clock, p. m., at Griflfin Yeatman's Hotel. D. 
Ziegler, E. Stone, E. Cutler and N. Longworth Managers. July 
T, 1806. 

Major Ziegler was as warm hearted and generous as his 
wife and their married life was very happy. Some of Mrs. Zieg- 
ler's nieces or nephews were always with them. The nieces. 



Major David Zieglcr. 41 

-even to old age, talked with enthusiasm of these charming visits. 
The uncle and aunt were both fond of company, but Major Zieg- 
ler was especially gay and social in his tastes and habits, and no 
doubt shared as well as promoted all the amusements of these 
young relatives who in turn felt for him the warmest gratitude 
and affection. 

Airs. Ziegler describes one of these visits in a letter dated 
October 26th, 1806, written to a young lady in the east who was 
her father's house keeper and obliged that Fall to be content 
to amuse herself in Belpre with her diary and spinning wheel, 
while her sister and cousin were dancing -and drinking tea with 
the belles and beaux of Cincinnati. She writes : 

''Sophia and Susanne have been here more than six weeks. They go 
home tomorrow. EHza goes with them to stay two or three weeks. 
When she returns Maria will go out. The girls had a variety of amuse- 
ments, plays, balls, and tea parties. I could wish that you could have 
partaken of them, since I know you are fond of them. But it will be 
over when they get to Dayton, and I think they will want rest." 

A curious old ball ticket, addressed to the Eliza of the 
letter, dated Cincinnati, Feb. 17, 1809, and printed, as was then 
the fashion, on the back of a playing card (the queen of hearts) 
is still in existence. The ball was given (in commemoration of 
Washington's birthday) at the Columbian Inn, on Wednesday 
evening 22nd, at 6 o'clock. "William Rufifin, E. H. Stall, J. 
Baymiller, J. W. Sloan, managers." 

Visitors to Cincinnati, when it was a small place, were sur- 
prised by the litxurious manner of living and the generous hos- 
pitality of the merchants and retired army officers who resided 
there. Mrs. Ludlow, writing as early as 1797, says "the arrival 
of General Wilkinson has imparted an air of gayety to the town 
and groups of officers in uniform give a show of fete. There 
has been a succession of dinners and evening parties." 

Major Ziegler shared the prevailing tastes and gladly enter- 
tained both friends and strangers. 

A visitor to the town in the early part of the last century 
(Flint, in his letters) speaks of the well informed people from 
.all parts of the world, of the ladies of "superior information. 



42 Major Daz'id Zicglcr. 

dignity of deportment and affectionate kindness of character'^ 
whom he met in Cincinnati. He says that "the elegance of the 
houses, the parade of servants, the display of furniture, and more 
than all, the luxury of their over loaded tables, would compare 
with the better houses in the Atlantic cities." He gives this 
discription of their market: 

"In another place the Tunkers with their long and flowing beards 
have brought their teams with their fat mutton and fine flour. Fowls, 
domestic and wild turkeys, venison, those fine birds which are here called 
partridges, but which we call quails, all sorts of fruits and vegetables, 
equally excellent and cheap." 

The abundant good cheer and hearty welcome guests re- 
ceived reminded him of accounts of old English hospitality. 
General Harrison, for instance, kept open house to all respectable 
visitors. 

Mrs. Ludlow, describing Cincinnati in 1797, says that it was 
then "a village of wooden buildings with a garrison of soldiers. 
The society consisted of a small number of ladies, united by the 
most perfect good will, and desire for mutual happiness. The 
gentlemen were social and intelligent." For several of the latter, 
among whom she mentioned Major Ziegler, shd felt "an almost 
fraternal regard," a regard which others whom the kindly Major 
at that or a later day, had welcomed with cordial and genial 
hospitality, shared with her. 

A characteristic story is related by Mr. Israel Ludlow : 

"Our brilliant Fourth of July Celebration was terminated by a 
sad accident. The party opposed to the Governor, glowing with all the 
heroism of "Seventy-six" mounted a blunderbus on the bank of the 
river, and with a few hearts of steel made its shores resound, rivaling 
in their imagination the ordnance of the garrison. Delighted with their 
success, the load was increased in proportion to their enthusiasm, and 
when the "Western Territory" was toasted the gun summoned every 
power within it carried its thunders through the Kentucky hills, and 
burst in pieces. Major Ziegler, on taking a view of the field reports as 
follows : wounded, four men ; killed, one gun." 

The Major's interest in the Order of the Cincinnati con- 
tinued through life, and we find that the few years before his 
death he wrote the following letter to a fellow member: 



Major David Zieglcr. 43 

Cincinnati, June 4th, 1805. 

Dear Sir: — Captain Henry Kerberry of Colorado. Hartley's Regi- 
ment Penna. Line, late Adjt. General to the State of Maryland, at 
present the Navy Agent in this quarter, the long intimacy that subsisted 
between us and the long & Painful Service he rendered, in which he had 
the misfortune to be badly Wounded, make me bold to Addresse myself 
in his behalf to the Society of Pennsylvania for a seat in the State So- 
ciety of Cincinnati, his Absence at the close of the War, and then residing 
Partley in the State of Maryland and Kentucky was the reason that he 
did not make application at the time when we formed and Arranged 
ourself, fully I am Persuaded that our friends will not only look over 
if there was any neglect, but have his name Assigned to the Book when 
after many Ages those may be found that belong to the Numbers that 
fought and Defended our right and privilege, the Amount of $40. will 
by him, through my Agent in Philadelphia be paid at sight, the Diploma, 
if some be on hand may be forwarded to this place, where he will re- 
main part of this Summer. 

David Ziegler. 

Robert Patton, Esq. 

It appears from subsequent records of the society that 
Ziegler's request was compHed with. 

Ziegler was appointed Collector or Inspector of the Port 
(Egle and Grieve both say Surveyor of the Port) in 1809, which 
position he held until the time of his death. 

He died childless September 24th, 181 1, at his residence 
on Broadway near the lower market, mourned by the entire in- 
habitants of the town whose first Chief Magistrate he had been. 
"The Western Spy" in its next edition contained the following 
memorial of Ziegler's death, clad in mourning borders: 

"Died in this town on Tuesday evening, the 24th inst, David Zeigler. 
Esquire, Collector of the Port. He was a native of Germany, and came 
into Pennsylvania sometime before the commencement of the Revolu- 
tionary War. He was among the first in that war who entered the field 
as a sub-altern, in the cause of his adopted country, and in the course of 
it received several wounds, — maintaining on all occasions the character of 
a zealous, a brave and active officer, to the end of the glorious struggle." 

After a brief account of his services, not necessary to repeat 
here, the obituary notice concluded ; 

From some cause of disgust, the Major soon afterwards resigned 
his commission, and once more retired to private life. He returned to 



44 Major David Ziegler. 

the western country, and commenced a successful commercial career in 
this town, until sickness disabled him, for several months before his death, 
from the further prosecution of business. He was a good husband, a 
good neighbor, a punctual dealer, and in truth an upright man. 

The funeral of the deceased here, which was performed 
with great mihtary pomp, is described in the same paper as 
follows : — 

On Thursday the 26th instanter, the corpse of Major Ziegler was 
interred with military honours, and was accompanied to the grave by the 
Harmonical society, who played on various wind-instruments durnig the 
procession, which was extremely numerous and respectable. The order 
■of the procession was : 

The Major's horse with his saddle, holster and pistols. 

The clergy and Physicians of the town. 

Cincinnati Band of Music. 

The Military, Infantry, Capt. Mansfield: Artillery, Capt. Jenkinson ; 
'Cavalry, Capt. Sloan, with arms reversed. 

Next came the hearse of the deceased, accompanied by the following 
pall-bearers : 

Captain Sloan. ■ ^ l Captain Jenkinson. 

Captain Torrence. ' \ HI / Captain Carr. 

Major Ruffin. 1^1 Major Stanley. 

General Gano. I 2 I Cclonel Riddle. 

If 

Mourners. 

Militia Officers in Uniform. 

Citizens. 

His body was interred in the cemetery of the Presbyterian 
congregation, of whose official Board he was a member, on 
Fourth Street. On the Sunday evening following a funeral ser- 
mon was preached on his death by the Reverend Joshua L. Wil- 
son at the Presbyterian Meeting House." 

"Thus, says the Western Spy, has America lost another of 
her Revolutionary officers." 

This necrology was reprinted on October 2nd, i8ii, in 
Liberty Hall, the political adversary of the deceased, with some 
remarks of its own. 

Major Ziegler was a man of medium height, dark complex- 
ion, and j^roud military carriage, always polite and affable in his 



Major David Ziegler. 



45 



manners. His face was round and bore the character of good 
nature bordering on humorousness. Judge Burnet said of him 
in connection with ^lartin Baum, another of Cincinnati's earhest 
and best citizens, that they were his two black German friends, 
he himself being of dark complexion. 

According to the last will and testament, dated August 24, 
1811, probated in Hamilton County, December 9, 181 1, Ziegler 
died a wealthy man. To his sister, Mrs. Susannah Elizabeth 
Detrosch, he bequeathed $3,000.00, and his wife's nephews and 
nieces he also remembered, one of the former, Joseph Peirce, 
named as his executor, received, besides the sum of $500.00, a 
gold watch and the iron chest of the Major, his gold eagle 
seal and his diploma of the Cincinnati with all the immunities 
and privileges thereto belonging. The seal and diploma are now 
in the possession of J. Elliott Peirce, of Dayton, a grandson of 
Joseph Peirce. Another nephew of his wife, Charles R. Green, 
received $500.00, Ziegler's sword and walking cane with gold 
head. Each of the four nieces, Phoebe Peirce, Sophia Cooper, 
Maria Green and Susan Green, received $50000. His wife, 
Lucy Anna, inherited the stately mansion, seven lots in the 
city, near Broadwav, thirty acres of forest, a mill with one 
half section of land on Greenville Creek in the Miami district, 
two shares of stock in the Ohio Land Company, a farm in Colum- 
bia, his cash, and shares in the Miami exporting company, and in 
the Bank of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia. 

Mrs. Ziegler is represented as a very philanthropic woman, 
and was Treasurer of the Dorcas Society for the relief of the 
poor. She was said to be very attractive in person and manner. 
A letter writer of the last century describes her as very hand- 
some. Her letters indicate that she was a woman of elevated 
character, and unusual intelligence. Colonel May was one of her 
Marietta friends and alludes to her when a bride, in his journal. 
Mrs. Lsrael Ludlow records her death in her diary in these af- 
fectionate words : 

"A late paper from Cincinnati mentioned the decease of Mrs. 
Ziegler My heart pays a tribute to her merit. Faithful, candid, and kind 
I ever found her, and life has lost another charm which gilded its sor- 
rows with a smile of love. .'Dear and valuable Lucy Ziegler, my heart 
bids thee a short farewell." .' . ; 



-46 Major David Ziec/lcr. 

I am indebted to Mrs. R. C. Schenck, of Dayton, for the 
following copy of a letter in her possession and written by 
Ziegler's sister to his wife. 

Beloved and dear lady sister : 

In compliance with my faithful promise to write to you, at 'least 
once every year as long as God spares my life, I do not fail to pre- 
sent these few lines through the goodness of the Kings banker at 
Amsterdam. 

With the pious wish on the present New Year that the Heavenly 
Father would keep you this year and many others composed in purest 
contentment and in the best prosperity and not withdraw from me, your 
noble heart as the amiable consort of my ever memorable and in God 
reposing brother David. 

His memory, will ever remain sacred with me and in your person 
I shall constantly honor the noble consort whom he so solely loved, 
and encompassed with love until death. 

Lastly may God take you into His holy keeping and accomplish all 
your other actions through life according to His Holy will and pleasure, 
and as the great distance between us will not favor us with a per- 
sonal acquaintance in this life it is my comfort that the beloved God will 
more closely unite us beyond the grave forever. In this sweet persuasion 
I embrace you in spirit as a sister, and with a composed mind in faith- 
ful truth honor you as a loving sister. 

.S. E. Von Trace, 
Heidelberg, 1. Jan. 1820. 

P. S. — Commend me and my consort to the beloved Lord cousin 
Joseph Peirce, most affectionately. 

Miss Steele's article gave the date of her death as 1820, and 
another source of information states that she removed to Day- 
ton where she died. Her tombstone gives the date of her death 
November 18, 1820, in the 59th year of her age, and adds "The 
poor and needy found in her a friend to ^^•honl their petitions 
for relief were never presented in vain. In her a charitable dis- 
position was united with the means of gratifying it." 

In a history of Montgomery county I find that Joseph 
Peirce settled in Dayton, where one of his daughters married 
Robert W. Steele, one of whose daughters wrote the article in 
the Magazine of Western History, from which I ha^T obtained 
much of the information of this article. 

A generation followed and the comparatively unknown 



Major Daiid Zicylcr. 



47 



^marketplace Ijecame a magnilicant city, grc-cetully recognized in 
JLongfellow's praisefiil song 

"To the Queen of the West 
In her garlands dressed, 
On the banks of the beautiful ri\er." 




Grave of David Ziegler, Woodland Cemetery, 
Dayton, Ohio. 

With the progress of time the old Presbyterian cemetery 
on the Fourth Street front had to give way to the pressure of 
commerce and industry, and under the rubbish and thorns was 
found the fallen headstone of Ziegler. Its brief biographical 
inscription revived the memory of the hero. A movement was 



48 Major David Zicqler. 

set on foot and iri 1844 various German military and pioneer 
societies assembled at the old cemetery and participated in the 
transfer of the ashes of the early pioneer to their resting place 
in the cemetery on Twelfth street where they were again in- 
terred. But that cemetery has likewise disappeared, together with 
the stone bearing the legend of his memory. 

In 1840 a movment was made in Dayton to establish a 
rural cemetery where every possible safeguard should b'e thrown 
around the resting place of the dead, and on the 7th day of 
June 1843 Woodland Cemetery was opened and the lots offered 
at public sale. Among the early interments in Woodland was 
that of Mrs. Ziegler, whose remains were removed from their 
former resting place and reinterred on the lot of D. C. Cooper, 
founder of the first grave yard in Dayton. 

Several years later the remains of Major Ziegler were 
brought from Cincinnati together with the original tablet, bear- 
ing the following inscription : — • 

MAJOR DAVID ZEIGLER. 

To whose memory this monumental 

Stone is erected, 

Was born in the City of Heidelberg 

in the year 1748. 

Having held a commission and 

served with reputation in the 

Army of Russia, 

he migrated to Pennsylvania. 

In 1775 

he joined the standard of 

WASHINGTON 

and served with honor in the .Army 

of the Revolution, 

till by the Treaty of 1783 the 

Independence of his adopted country 

was acknowledged. 

In the Western Country he served under 

Generals HARMER and ST'. CLAIR, 

and died in this city in 

Sept. 1811, universally 

esteemed and 

respected. 



Major Dai id ZicgUr 49 

Doubtless further interesting details concerning this man's 
life and actions could be gleaned if I had access to governmental 
and state archives, Init I feel amply repaid for the research thus 
far undertaken. 

Underneath the green lawn of beautiful Woodland Ceme- 
tery at Dayton, lies buried the first Chief Magistrate of the 
Great Metropolis of the Ohio Valley, unknown perhaps or for- 
gotten by most of its inhabitants, oblivious of the fact that a 
true Cincinnatus, a noble warrior and a good citizen sleeps there 
his last sleep. 

Tread lightly, this is hallowed ground! tread reverently here! 
Beneath this sod in silence sleeps, the brave old Pioneer, 
Who never quailed in darkest hour, whose heart ne'er felt a fear, 
Tread lightly then, and here bestow the tribute of a tear. 



W Vl/ 



50 



Major David Zicglei . 




The above bronze tablet in the Memorial Hall at Dayton was 
placed by the citizens of German birth or ancestry in Montgom- 
ery County, and represents first Reverend Peter Muhlenberg casting 
aside his ministerial robe and appearing in the regimentals of a Virginia 
Colonel, second, General Herchheimer, though wounded, winning a victory 
for the Colonists at Oriskany and third, General Von Steuben drilling re- 
cruits, all co-patriots with Ziegler. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 573 588 9' 



